TDW of Ellis County September 19, 2023 Meeting
The meeting was called to order by President Mary Lou Shipley at 6:03 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Meeting Minutes and Treasurer Report:
The August 15, 2023 meeting minutes were read by Kathleen Bowen. There was 1 correction to state that the façade grant was from “Historic Waxahachie, Inc.” not “the City of Waxahachie”.
Treasurer Mary Brooks reported a PAC account balance of $2,652.74 and a Scholarship balance of $5,119.24.
Presentation:
Rainey Hicks (Development Director) and Lisa Thompson (Outreach & Enrollment Director) from Hope Health gave a great presentation on the organization which has been serving those in need in the Waxahachie community for 22 years in areas of pediatrics, dental, adult care, behavioral care, and much more. They also have a food bank on certain Saturdays which provides fresh food. Sign up to help on their Facebook page. They will be building a new facility at Coleman and Farley St. which will allow them to do more. They will be providing a residency program for new doctors. They are also working on a capital campaign to raise funds for the new facility. They have already received over $5M in grants and donations but need more. They are a FQHC type of facility – very unique. Mission minded, faith based. Kathleen Marshall is the new CEO. Dr. Arber Nuhaj works closely with Hope Health and would be a good person to talk to TDW in the future. Lots of good Q&A. They left pamphlets and goody bags of information for everyone to take. Be sure to spread the word about Hope Health. Rainey and Lisa thanked TDW for the upcoming Baby Shower on Saturday, September 30th that will benefit Hope Health.
Scholarship Committee:
Vivian Gibson reported that the scholarship committee (Lynda Begnaud, Rebecca Cockerham, Vivian Gibson and Marly Lou Shipley) met and discussed several items.
We received a letter from Tarlton State University thanking us for supporting Ella Matthews in her pursuit of a college degree as well as our interest in higher education. (It was shared as an attachment.)
We have $5,119.24 in the Scholarship Fund. When the Scholarship Committee met, it was decided that we will donate two (2) scholarships. One will be the Emma Wilson Memorial Scholarship named in honor of Emma. For the past few months, funds have been donated to our scholarship fund in her honor. The other scholarship will be the Texas Democratic Women of Ellis County Scholarship (the name remains the same as in the past). Funds for both scholarships will be donated to the TDW of Ellis County’s Scholarship fund.
In May 2024, both scholarships will be donated to two (2) Ennis High Scholl qualifying graduates. Ennis was selected because Emma is a retired educator in Ennis ISD. Because of the timing, we feel this school year, being the first school year since her passing, the scholarships should go to Ennis High School.
Mary Brooks made the motion to approve the 2 scholarships to Ennis High School. Jerome Begnaud seconded. All Ayes.
Vivian asked if the amount should be $800 or increased to $1,000.00. It was discussed.
Kathleen Bowen made the motion to increase the 2 scholarships to $1,000.00 each. Nancy Post seconded. All Ayes.
Community Outreach Committee:
Mary Lou reminded everyone about the upcoming Baby Shower benefitting Hope Health Saturday, September 30th 2-4:00. Everyone is welcome! Kathleen Bowen, Lynda Begnaud and Nancy Post signed up to help.
Refreshments Committee:
October – Jerome and Lynda. November – Jeanette Flores and Jamie Patton. January – Kathleen
Christmas Party Committee:
It was reported that Terri Crouch is looking for a location.
Next Meeting:
Next month’s meeting presentation will be about the upcoming election and the 14 propositions. Carol Young will lead the presentation. Jerome suggested looking at the “Mothers Against Greg Abbott” website which had a lot of good info about the propositions.
Upcoming Actions and Announcements:
Baby Shower benefitting Hope Health Saturday September 30th 2-4:00.
Mary reported that the lunch get togethers have been going well. The next one is Tuesday, September 26th at 11:30 at Panera Bread.
Mary reported Voter Registration will take place at WISD October 2 and 3rd. Contact Mary Brooks or Lynda Begnaud if you would like to help.
Barbara reported that Deputy Voter Registration class is Friday, September 22nd. 1 hour class to learn how to help people register to vote. If you were certified last year, you have to certify again this year.
Mary Lou suggested a committee to help write Letters to the Editor. Mary Lou, Nancy and Kathleen will be on this committee and will meet soon.
Barbara Fudge made the motion to adjourn. Mary Brooks seconded. All Ayes. Meeting adjourned at 7:05 p.m.
The minutes were prepared by Kathleen Bowen.